In Nigeria’s northeast, where years of insurgency have devastated lives and communities, a quiet revolution in mental healthcare is offering hope and healing—led not by institutions alone, but by the communities themselves.
At the heart of this transformation is Dr. Fatima Abba Ali, a Consultant Psychiatrist and alumna of the AIG Public Leaders Programme. Her groundbreaking initiative, Mentaccess, is reshaping how mental health challenges are identified and treated, especially among children and adolescents in Borno State.
At a bustling primary healthcare centre in Jere LGA, Community Health Extension Workers equipped with digital tablets are screening young people for mental health conditions—often catching problems early, before they spiral. One such case is that of a student identified as Y.J.K., whose father was killed by insurgents. His silent struggles were uncovered during a routine screening and he was promptly referred for professional care. Today, he is back in school and thriving.
Mentaccess operates through a three-tier model: local health workers screen and support mild cases, trained counselors manage more complex issues, and the most severe are referred to psychiatrists at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Maiduguri—some via teleconsultation.
The project’s strength lies in its community-led approach. Trusted local health workers, traditional leaders, and culturally sensitive methods have helped dismantle the stigma surrounding mental illness. Mentaccess tools work even in areas with poor internet access, ensuring no one is left behind.
Since its launch, over 29,000 young people have been screened. The project now spans six local government areas and is piloting school-based mental health interventions by training teachers to identify early warning signs.
Dr. Fatima’s message is clear: “Mental health conditions are real and treatable. With the right support, our communities can become the frontline of recovery.”
The Mentaccess project is supported by the AIG Public Leaders Programme, facilitated by the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford. It is a shining example of how local innovation, global learning, and grassroots engagement can solve Nigeria’s toughest healthcare challenges.
